Keeping it Green - Vol 1 - 4/09

Welcome to our 1st installment on Keeping it Green! This issue we will discuss what has been going on in the electronics industry as it relates to the new Energy Star 3.0 guidelines instituted 6 months ago. Many of the new HDTV's manufactured since 11/08 have improved energy efficiencies, not to mention the better quality.

Earning the ENERGY STAR means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. For TVs, it means they save energy both in standby and active (when they're on) modes. To qualify as ENERGY STAR, all TVs must not exceed the maximum power consumption as determined by the EPA based upon specific screen sizes. ENERGY STAR qualified TVs use about 30% less energy than standard units. Remember, saving energy prevents pollution. By choosing ENERGY STAR, you are helping prevent global warming and promote cleaner air without sacrificing the product quality and performance you expect.

The average home has two TVs, three telephones, and a DVD player. If these items were replaced with ENERGY STAR qualified models, it would save over 25 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to that of more than 2 million cars. While TVs don't draw quite as much power as air conditioners or washing machines, they can still make an impact on your electricity bill. TVs currently in use in the U.S., consume over 50 billion kWh of energy each year - or 5 percent of all households' electricity use. This is enough electricity to power all the homes in the state of New York for an entire year.

Average On Mode Power Level Requirements for HDTV Screen Sizes

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